postal service 39 cfr part 111 action7710-12 postal service 39 cfr part 111 usps returns service...

7710-12

POSTAL SERVICE

39 CFR Part 111

USPS Returns Service

AGENCY: Postal Service™.

ACTION: Proposed rule; revision; additional comment period.

SUMMARY: The Postal Service is proposing to amend Mailing Standards of the

United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®) section 505.3.0,

and various other sections, to remove references to the traditional Merchandise

Return Service (MRS) portion of merchandise return service and to enhance

USPS Returns® service.

DATES: Submit comments on or before [INSERT DATE 30 DAYS AFTER

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER].

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written comments to the manager, Product

Classification, U.S. Postal Service, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 4446,

Washington, DC 20260-5015. If sending comments by email, include the name

and address of the commenter and send to [email protected],

with a subject line of “USPS Returns Service”. Faxed comments are not

accepted. All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record

and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you

consider to be confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure.

You may inspect and photocopy all written comments, by appointment only, at

USPS® Headquarters Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, 11th Floor North,

This document is scheduled to be published in theFederal Register on 12/19/2019 and available online athttps://federalregister.gov/d/2019-27005, and on govinfo.gov

Washington, DC, 20260. These records are available for review on Monday

through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., by calling 202-268-2906.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Key at (202) 268-7492,

Vicki Bosch at (202) 268-4978, or Garry Rodriguez at (202) 268-7281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Postal Service published a notice of

proposed rulemaking on July 23, 2018 (83 FR 34807-34811) to amend DMM

section 505.3.0, Merchandise Return Service (MRS), to remove the references to

traditional MRS processes and introduce an enhanced USPS Returns service.

One formal response was received relating only to terminology used to describe

users of the Enterprise Payment System (EPS).

The Postal Service has elected to issue a second revised proposed rule in

order to further clarify our proposal and provide a revised effective date.

Under the Package Platform initiative, the Postal Service has leveraged

devices that were installed as part of the Automated Package Verification system

to enhance the capability of equipment used for the processing of package-size

mailpieces. The upgraded equipment captures near real-time data on package

dimensions, weight, mail class or product, and other attributes, and transmits the

data to Postal Service information systems. The Postal Service will use this new

technology to streamline its processes for the identification and postage

assessment of each return package, and enable account holders to pay the

postage for their returns electronically. Mailers will receive detailed reports to

monitor package level pricing as their returns are processed and delivered

through the Postal Service network. This improved functionality will significantly

reduce the need to manually weigh and invoice returns or to estimate postage via

sampling under the Postage Due Weight Averaging Program for MRS packages,

and will eliminate the scan-based payment process currently used with USPS

Returns services.

The USPS Returns service’s new methodology was deployed January 27,

2019, allowing existing customers to migrate to the automated returns process

and new customers to establish automated returns service. Current USPS

Returns service and MRS customers would be expected to migrate to the new

automated methodology by August 28, 2020. The originally proposed deadline of

January 2021 for MRS customers to migrate to the new USPS Returns

methodology is being revised because the Postal Service has been working

closely with returns customers for an extended period of years, and more actively

prior to and since the deployment of the automated functionality, and believes

MRS customers can convert by August 28, 2020.

The proposed USPS Returns service automated methodology would use

the same commercial prices as those currently applied to USPS Returns services

and MRS: Priority Mail® Commercial Base® and Commercial Plus® (as applicable

to the qualifying USPS Returns account holders), First-Class Package Service® -

Commercial, and Parcel Select Ground®, and would apply those prices to each

individual return package. Negotiated Service Agreement (NSA) prices would be

available for eligible customers using the USPS Returns service automated

process.

USPS Returns service account holders would pay postage and fees

through an Enterprise Payment System (EPS) account. EPS is a relatively new

payment system designed to provide a single point for all payment-related

activities. Returns customers of any type would be required to set up an EPS

account for electronic funds transfer for payment of USPS Returns service.

USPS Returns service account customers can view payment information in a

consolidated format in their EPS account accessed through the Business

Customer Gateway at https://gateway.usps.com. The available information

includes account balances, postage activity reports, transactions history, and

other information. For EPS account set up or support, contact

[email protected] or call the PostalOne! Helpdesk at 800-522-9085, or the

USPS Mailing and Shipping Solution Center at 1-877-MRC-0007 (1-877-672-

0007).

USPS Tracking® is included as part of the service for any USPS Returns

service product, and the Extra Services available for a fee for the USPS Returns

service automated methodology include Insurance, Signature Confirmation™, and

Certificate of Mailing service. In cases where the USPS Returns service account

holder must sign for multiple returns bearing accountable Extra Services, the

Postal Service will create an electronic firm sheet to capture the recipient’s

signature at the time of delivery and append it to the applicable associated

returns. If all or part of the Intelligent Mail® package barcode (IMpb®) is

unreadable, or the package is unable to be priced based on the availability of

data collected, postage will be based on historical data, or default data

determined at time of enrollment.

While moving forward with the substantive changes to the returns options

described in this proposed rule, the Postal Service is modifying the proposed

DMM changes to exclude the originally proposed section 505.3.8 and instead

include those changes in an expanded section 505.3.1, which will replace current

sections 505.3.1 through 505.3.6. This approach will consolidate the new USPS

Returns automated methodology material and the existing returns sections into

one section.

Additionally, the Postal Service is proposing to remove the references to

“Merchandise Return Service”, both in section 505.3.0 and in the other sections

that refer to Merchandise Return Service. When appropriate, these references

are being replaced with references to USPS Returns service.

In addition, the Postal Service proposes to update Quick Service Guides

220, 503, and 800, to reflect these DMM revisions.

We believe these proposed revisions to our returns package product

offerings will provide customers who choose the Postal Service for return

services a more efficient process and a superb customer experience.

Although exempt from the notice and comment requirements of the

Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(b), (c)) regarding proposed

rulemaking by 39 U.S.C. 410(a), the Postal Service invites public comments on

the following proposed revisions to Mailing Standards of the United States Postal

Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), incorporated by reference in the Code of

Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR 111.1.

We will publish an appropriate amendment to 39 CFR part 111 to reflect

these changes.

Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is proposed to be amended as follows:

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111

Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service.

PART 111 – [AMENDED.]

1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 111 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 13 U.S.C. 301-307; 18 U.S.C. 1692-1737; 39 U.S.C.

101, 401, 403, 404, 414, 416, 3001-3011, 3201-3219, 3403-3406, 3621, 3622,

3626, 3632, 3633, and 5001.

2. Revise the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service,

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) as follows:

Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail

Manual (DMM)

* * * * *

100 Retail Mail Letters, Cards, Flats, and Parcels

101 Physical Standards

* * * * *

6.0 Additional Physical Standards for First-Class Mail and First-Class

Package Service — Retail

* * * * *

6.2 Cards Claimed at Card Prices

* * * * *

6.2.9 Double Cards

*** Double cards are subject to these standards:

* * * * *

[Revise the second sentence of item b to read as follows:]

b. *** The address side of the reply half may be prepared as Business Reply

Mail, Courtesy Reply Mail, meter reply mail, or as a USPS Returns service

label.

* * * * *

200 Commercial Letters, Flats, and Parcels Design Standards

201 Physical Standards

1.0 Physical Standards for Machinable Letters and Cards

* * * * *

1.2 Physical Standards for Cards Claimed at Card Prices

* * * * *

1.2.9 Double Cards

*** Double cards are subject to these standards:

* * * * *

[Revise the second sentence of item b to read as follows:]

b. *** The address side of the reply half may be prepared as business reply

mail, courtesy reply mail, meter reply mail, or as a USPS Returns service

label.

* * * * *

202 Elements on the Face of a Mailpiece

* * * * *

3.0 Placement and Content of Mail Markings

* * * * *

3.3 Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail Markings

* * * * *

3.3.3 Additional Markings for Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail

[Revise the first sentence of the introductory text of 3.3.3 to read as follows:]

In addition to the basic price marking in 3.3.1 and 3.3.2, except for pieces paid

using a USPS Corporate Account, USPS Returns service, or permit imprint,

Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail pieces claiming Commercial Base or

Commercial Plus prices also must bear the appropriate commercial price

marking, printed on the piece or produced as part of the meter imprint or PC

Postage indicia. ***

* * * * *

204 Barcode Standards

* * * * *

2.0 Standards for Package and Extra Service Barcodes

2.1 Intelligent Mail Package Barcode

2.1.1 Definition

[Revise the fourth sentence of 2.1.1 to read as follows:]

*** All mailers generating Intelligent Mail package barcodes (IMpb) must also

submit piece-level information to the USPS via an approved electronic file format

(except for mailers generating barcodes for use on return services products, such

as uninsured USPS Returns service packages). ***

* * * * *

2.1.7 Electronic File

[Revise the first sentence of the introductory text of 2.1.7 to read as follows:]

All mailers generating Intelligent Mail package barcodes (IMpb) must transmit

piece-level information to USPS in an approved electronic file format (except for

mailers generating barcodes for use on return services products, such as

uninsured USPS Returns service packages). ***

* * * * *

220 Commercial Mail Priority Mail

223 Prices and Eligibility

1.0 Prices and Fees

* * * * *

1.2 Commercial Base Prices

*** The Commercial Base prices are available for:

* * * * *

[Revise the text of item e to read as follows:]

e. Permit holders using USPS Returns service for packages returned at

Priority Mail prices when all requirements are met under 505.3.0.

* * * * *

1.3 Commercial Plus Prices

1.3.1 Basic Eligibility

*** Commercial Plus prices are available to Priority Mail customers who qualify

for Commercial Base prices and whose cumulative account volume exceeds a

combined total of 5,000 letter-size and flat-size pieces (including Flat Rate

Envelopes, but not the Padded Flat Rate Envelope) or 50,000 total pieces in the

previous calendar year (except Priority Mail Open and Distribute) and who have

a customer commitment agreement with USPS (new Priority Mail customers see

1.3.2), and are:

* * * * *

[Revise the text of item d to read as follows:]

d. Permit holders using USPS Returns service for packages returned at

Priority Mail prices when all requirements are met under 505.3.0.

* * * * *

1.4 Commercial Plus Cubic

1.4.1 Commercial Plus Cubic Eligibility

*** The Commercial Plus cubic prices are available for:

* * * * *

[Revise the text of item c to read as follows:]

c. Permit holders using USPS Returns service for packages returned at Priority

Mail prices when all requirements are met under 503.3.0.

* * * * *

224 Postage Payment and Documentation

1.0 Basic Standards for Postage Payment

1.1 Postage Payment Options

1.1.1 Commercial Base Pricing

Priority Mail Commercial Base and Regional Rate Box postage may be paid with:

* * * * *


e. Permit holders using USPS Returns service for Priority Mail packages

when all requirements are met under 505.3.0.

1.1.2 Commercial Plus Pricing

Commercial Plus Priority Mail postage may be paid with:

* * * * *


c. Permit holders using USPS Returns service for Priority Mail packages who

qualify for Commercial Base prices and whose account volumes exceed

100,000 pieces in the previous calendar year or who have a customer

commitment agreement with the USPS (see 223.1.3.2).

* * * * *

1.1.3 Commercial Plus Cubic Pricing

Commercial Plus cubic prices may be paid with:

* * * * *


c. Permit holders using USPS Returns service when packages are returned at

Priority Mail prices and all requirements are met under 505.3.0.

* * * * *

280 Commercial Mail First-Class Package Service — Commercial

283 Prices and Eligibility

1.0 Prices and Fees

* * * * *

1.2 Commercial Prices

Commercial prices are available when paid by one of the following methods:

* * * * *

[Revise the text of item d to read as follows:]

d. Permit holders using USPS Returns service for First-Class Package

Service — Commercial packages when all requirements are met under

505.3.0.

* * * * *

500 Additional Mailing Services

503 Extra Services

1.0 Basic Standards for All Extra Services

* * * * *

1.4 Eligibility for Extra Services

* * * * *

1.4.3 Eligibility—Domestic Returns

Extra services for return packages under 505.3.0 and 505.4.0 are available as

follows:

Exhibit 1.4.3 Eligibility—Domestic Returns

[Revise Exhibit 1.4.3 by inserting a new table to read as follows:]

Return Services Eligible Extra Services (Paid EPS Account or by Permit

Holder)

Eligible Extra Services (Paid by Sender)

Insurance $500 or

Less

Insurance More than

$500

Signature Confirmation

Insurance $500 or

Less

Insurance More than

$500

Signature Confirmation

Certificate of Mailing

USPS Returns: Priority Mail Return Service 1 1, 2, 3 1 1, 2 4 First-Class Package Return Svs 3 2, 3 2 4 Ground Return Service 3 2, 3 2 4

Parcel Return Service 2 2 4

1. Insurance is not included for Priority Mail Return Service, it must be purchased. 2. A signature is not provided as part of the delivery record for USPS Returns service items insured for more than $500. 3. Insurance being purchased by the EPS account holder must be accompanied by electronic data that supports the value of the merchandise and the associated fee paid (see 4.3.1). 4. Individual pieces using Form 3817 or Form 3665 by sender only.

* * * * *

2.0 Registered Mail

* * * * *

2.2 Fees and Liability

* * * * *

[Delete 2.2.4, Merchandise Return, in its entirety and renumber 2.2.5 as 2.2.4.]

2.2.4 Indemnity

[Revise the text of renumbered 2.2.4 to read as follows:]

No indemnity is paid for any matter registered without prepayment of postage

and fees.

* * * * *

2.5 Inquiry on Uninsured Article

2.5.1 Who, When and How to File

[Revise the second sentence of 2.5.1 to read as follows:]

*** Only the mailer may file an inquiry for Registered Mail items with no declared

value.

* * * * *

4.0 Insured Mail

* * * * *

4.2 Insurance Coverage — Priority Mail

Priority Mail pieces bearing an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) or USPS

retail tracking barcode (see 4.3.4) are insured against loss, damage, or missing

contents, up to a maximum of $50.00 or $100.00, subject to the following:

* * * * *


e. Insurance coverage under 4.2a or 4.2b is not provided for Priority Mail

packages mailed as USPS Returns service, Priority Mail Open and Distribute,

or Premium Forwarding Service.

* * * * *

4.3 Basic Standards

4.3.1 Description

Insured mail is subject to the basic standards in 1.0; see 1.4 for eligibility. The

following additional standards apply to insured mail:

[Revise the text of item a by adding a new third sentence to read as follows:]

a. *** For customer-generated integrated barcodes used for USPS Returns

service or Parcel Return Service, the returns account holder must provide

USPS with electronic data in a shipping services file version 1.6 or higher that

identifies the USPS Tracking number of the insured return package, total

postage paid, insurance fee paid, declared value, mailing date, origin ZIP

Code, and delivery ZIP Code, along with the recipient name and address

information. ***

* * * * *

505 Return Services

* * * * *

[Revise the heading and text of 3.0 to read as follows:]

3.0 USPS Returns Service

3.1 Basic Standards

3.1.1. Description

USPS Returns service allows an authorized account holder to pay the postage

and fees on single-piece priced commercial Priority Mail, First-Class Package

Service — Commercial, or Parcel Select Ground packages returned to the

account holder by senders (mailers) via a return label, meeting the standards in

3.1.4, produced by the account holder. Unless otherwise restricted, any mailable

matter may be mailed using any of the USPS Returns service options (Priority

Mail Return Service, First-Class Package Return Service, and Ground Return

Service (Parcel Select Ground)). Any content that constitutes First-Class Mail

matter may only be mailed using Priority Mail Return Service. USPS Returns

service is subject to the following conditions:

a. Availability. USPS Returns service is available to the account holder for

mailing to the account holder’s designated address on the USPS Returns

label(s).

b. Payment Guarantee. The account holder must guarantee payment of the

proper postage and fees, including any fees for Extra Services requested

by the account holder, on all packages returned bearing a valid barcoded

USPS Returns label produced by the account holder. The account holder

must have sufficient funds in their associated Electronic Payment Account

to pay the postage and fees on an ongoing basis.

c. Where Service Established. USPS Returns service accounts may be

established at any Post Office in the United States and its territories and

possessions or at any overseas U.S. military Post Office (APO/FPO/DPO).

USPS Returns service is not available for returns from any foreign

country.

3.1.2 Accounts

USPS Returns service accounts are subject to the following:

a. Account Enrollment. An approved USPS Returns service account may be

established by calling the Mailing and Shipping Solutions Center at 1-877-

672-0007.

b. Advance Deposit Account. The account holder must pay postage and fees

through an Enterprise Payment System (EPS) account, accessed through

the Business Customer Gateway (BCG) at https://gateway.usps.com and

agree to the terms and conditions for use of such EPS account as the

EPS account holder.

c. Mailer Identification Code (MID). Applicants must request a new MID via

the BCG, select the product type of nonmanifested returns, and select the

applicable Service Type Codes (STCs) for the desired USPS Returns

service products.

d. Application Process. Applicants must have a valid Enterprise Payment

Account and be registered in the Business Customer Gateway (BCG).

e. Canceled Accounts. If the account is cancelled by the EPS account

holder, USPS Returns service packages bearing the sender’s return

address are returned to the sender; otherwise, they are treated as dead

mail.

f. Account Cancellation. The USPS may cancel an account if the EPS

account holder refuses to accept and pay postage and fees for USPS

Returns service packages, fails to keep sufficient funds in the advance

deposit account to cover postage and fees, or distributes return labels that

do not meet USPS standards.

g. Reapplying After Cancellation. To receive a new account after a previous

USPS Returns service account is canceled, the applicant must re-register

in the Business Customer Gateway and obtain and new mailer

identification code (MID) for USPS Returns service use. If not using labels

generated by the USPS Application Program Interface (API)

https://www.usps.com/business/web-tools-apis/welcome.htm or Merchant

Return Application (MRA), applicants must submit for approval two

samples for each label format to the National Customer Support Center

(NCSC). In addition, applicants must provide evidence that the reasons for

the account cancellation are corrected, and maintain funds in their

advance deposit account sufficient to cover normal returns for at least two

weeks.

h. Using Other Post Offices. The authorized Enterprise Payment System

(EPS) account holder using USPS Returns may distribute USPS Returns

labels for return through other Post Office locations.

3.1.3 Postage and Prices

Postage and prices are subject to the following:

a. Postage is calculated based on the weight of the return package and zone

associated with the point of origin and delivery ZIP Code subject to the

eligibility for commercial prices and fees based on the class of mail under

220, 250, and 280, except that postage for USPS Returns in flat-rate

packaging is based on the packaging type used and the associated

Universal Product Code (UPC) on the packaging. USPS Returns service

packages are charged postage and fees based on the service type code

(STC) embedded in the Intelligent Mail Package barcode (IMpb) and as

provided under 3.1.3c. If all or part of the IMpb is unreadable, or the

package is unable to be priced based on the data collected, postage will

be determined by the Postal Service based on historical data, or default

data determined at time of enrollment.

b. Prices for Priority Mail Return Service, First-Class Package Return

Service, and Ground Return Service (Parcel Select Ground) packages are

charged as follows:

1. Priority Mail Commercial Base prices are available for account holders

using Priority Mail Return Service, when all applicable requirements

are met.

2. Priority Mail Commercial Plus prices are available for Priority Mail

Return Service packages that qualify for Commercial Base prices and

for which the account holder has a customer commitment agreement

with the USPS (see 223.1.3).

3. First-Class Package Service – Commercial prices are available for

First-Class Package Return Service packages when all applicable

requirements are met.

4. Parcel Select Ground prices are available for Ground Return Service

packages when all applicable requirements are met.

c. The account holder or mailer may obtain extra and additional services as

follows:

1. Insurance – is available for USPS Returns service (see 503.0).

Insurance is not included with the postage for Priority Mail Return

Service. Insurance is available to the account holder for a fee on

packages that have the applicable STC imbedded into the IMpb on the

label, and for which the account holder has provided electronic data

that supports the value of the merchandise (see 503.4.3.1a). Only the

account holder may file a claim (see 609). Mailers mailing a USPS

Returns service package may obtain insurance at their own expense at

the time of mailing by presenting the labeled USPS Returns package

at a Post Office retail unit to obtain the service.

2. Signature Confirmation is available for USPS Returns service (see

503.0). Signature Confirmation is available for a fee to the account

holder for packages that have the applicable STC for Signature

Confirmation imbedded into the IMpb on the label. Mailers mailing a

USPS Returns package may obtain Signature Confirmation at their

own expense at the time of mailing by presenting the labeled USPS

Return package at a Post Office retail unit to obtain the service.

3. Certificate of Mailing is available only to mailers at their own expense

at the time of mailing by presenting the certificate at a Post Office retail

unit to obtain the receipt.

4. Pickup on Demand Service is available for a fee with USPS Returns

service (see 507.7.0).

3.1.4 Labels

Distribution and preparation of labels are subject to the following:

a. Distribution of Labels. USPS Returns labels may be distributed to

customers as an enclosure with merchandise, as a separate package

(including when requested electronically through the Business Customer

Gateway for printing and delivery to the customer by USPS), as an

electronic transmission for customer downloading and printing (including

through Label Broker™ which allows customers to have the pre-paid

returns label printed for them at a USPS Retail System Software (RSS)

enabled retail location via a Label ID and/or QR code on a smart phone,

on a piece of paper, or written directly on a package presented to the retail

associate), or through one of the account holder’s designated pickup

facilities.

b. Label Preparation. USPS Returns labels must meet the standards in the

Parcel Labeling Guide available on the PostalPro website at

https://postalpro.usps.com/parcellabelingguide. The label must include an

IMpb, accommodate all required information, be legible, and be prepared

in accordance with Publication 199, Intelligent Mail Package Barcode

(IMpb) Implementation Guide, available on the PostalPro website.

Standard label sizes are 3 inches by 6 inches, 4 inches by 4 inches, or 4

inches by 6 inches, and must be certified by the USPS for use prior to

distribution. Except for USPS Returns labels generated by the USPS

Application Program Interface (API) or Merchandise Return Application

(MRA), all returns labels must have a properly constructed (C01, C05,

N02, or N05, as applicable) IMpb approved by the National Customer

Support Center (NCSC). EPS account holders or their agents may

distribute approved return labels and instructions by means specified in

3.1.4b. EPS account holders or their agents must provide written

instructions to the label end-user (mailer) as specified in 3.1.4c. Labels

cannot be faxed. If all applicable content and format standards are met,

USPS Returns labels may be produced by any of the following methods:

1. As an impression printed by the EPS account holder directly onto the

package to be returned.

2. As a separate label preprinted by the EPS account holder to be affixed

by the customer onto the package to be returned. The reverse side of

the label must bear an adhesive strong enough to bond the label

securely to the package. Labels must be printed and delivered by

USPS to the customer when requested electronically by the EPS

account holder or its agents through the Business Customer Gateway,

or provided as an electronic file created by the EPS account holder for

local output and printing by the customer. The electronic file must

include instructions that explain how to affix the label securely to the

package, and that caution against covering with tape or other material

any part of the label where postage and fee information is to be

recorded.

c. Labeling Instructions. Written instructions must be provided with the label

that, at a minimum, directs the customer to do the following:

1. “If your name and address are not already preprinted in the return

address area, print them neatly in that area or attach a return address

label there.”

2. “Attach the label squarely onto the largest side of the package,

centered if possible. Place the label so that it does not fold over to

another side. Do not place tape over any barcodes on the label or any

part of the label where postage and fee information will be recorded.”

3. “Remove or obliterate any other addresses, barcodes or price

markings on the outside packaging.”

4. “Mail the labeled USPS Returns service package at a Post Office, drop

it in a collection box, leave it with your USPS carrier, or schedule a

package pickup at www.usps.com.”

3.1.5 Noncompliant Labels

USPS Returns account holders must use USPS-certified labels meeting the

standards in 3.1.4. When noncompliant labels are affixed to USPS Returns

service packages, the permit holder will be assessed the appropriate USPS

Retail Ground price calculated from the package’s initial entry point (first physical

scan) in the USPS network to its delivery address.

3.1.6 Enter and Deposit

The EPS account holder’s customers may mail the USPS Returns service

package at any Post Office; any associated office, station, or branch; in any

collection box (except a Priority Mail Express box); with any rural carrier; by

package pickup; on business routes during regular mail delivery if prior

arrangements are made with the carrier; as part of a collection run for other mail

(special arrangements might be required); or at any place designated by the

Postmaster for the receipt of mail. USPS Returns service packages with extra

services must be mailed either with the rural carrier or at the main Post Office or

any associated office, station, or branch. Any such packages deposited in

collection boxes may be returned to the sender for the extra service to be

purchased appropriately, or it will be processed and charged postage and fees

based on the service type code (STC) embedded in the Intelligent Mail Package

barcode (IMpb) on the label and as provided under 3.1.3c.

3.1.7 Additional Standards

Additional mailing standards applicable to each service option are as follows:

a. Priority Mail Return service may contain any mailable matter meeting the

standards in 201.8.0 and 220.2.0. APO/FPO/DPO mail is subject to

703.2.0 and 703.4.0, and Department of State mail is subject to 703.3.0.

Priority Mail Return service receives expeditious handling and

transportation, with service standards in accordance with Priority Mail.

Priority Mail Return service mailed under a specific customer agreement is

charged postage according to the individual agreement. Commercial Base

and Commercial Plus prices are the same as for outbound Priority Mail in

Notice 123, Price List.

b. First-Class Package Return service may contain mailable matter meeting

the standards in 201.8.0 and 280.2.0. First-Class Package Return service

handling, transportation, and eligibility of contents are the same as for

outbound First-Class Package Service — Commercial parcels under 283.

First-Class Package Return service packages may not contain documents

or personal correspondence, except that such packages may contain

invoices, receipts, incidental advertising, and other documents that relate

in all substantial respects to merchandise contained in the package.

c. Ground Return (Parcel Select Ground) service provides ground

transportation for parcels containing mailable matter meeting the

standards in 201.8.0 and 153.3.0. Ground Return (Parcel Select Ground)

service is required for restricted and hazardous materials mailed using

USPS Returns service and as provided in Publication 52, Hazardous,

Restricted, and Perishable Mail. Ground Return (Parcel Select Ground)

service assumes the handing and transportation and service objectives for

delivery of USPS Retail Ground.

* * * * *

507 Mailer Services

* * * * *

7.0 Pickup on Demand Service

7.1 Postage and Fees

7.1.1 Postage

[Revise the text of 7.1.1 to read as follows:]

The correct amount of postage must be affixed to each piece except for a Priority

Mail Express label paid with a corporate account, packages with a USPS Returns

label affixed (under 505.3.0), pieces with a Parcel Return Service permit label

affixed (under 505.4.0), and manifest mailings paid by permit imprint indicia

approved by Business Mailer Support (BMS).

* * * * *

7.1.3 Fee Not Charged

The customer is not charged for:

* * * * *


c. Pickup on Demand when the item bears a USPS Returns service label that

indicates that the permit holder will pay for Pickup on Demand service.

* * * * *

508 Recipient Services

* * * * *

7.0 Premium Forwarding Services

* * * * *

7.3 Premium Forwarding Service Commercial

* * * * *

7.3.3 Conditions

*** PFS-Commercial service is subject to these conditions:

* * * * *

[Revise the text of item f to read as follows:]

f. The mailer must keep a postage-due account or business reply mail (BRM)

account at the originating postal facility where the PO Box or business street

address is located. Any short paid, BRM pieces will be charged to the mailer’s

account prior to shipment.

* * * * *

7.4 Premium Forwarding Service Local

* * * * *

7.4.3 Conditions

*** PFS-Local service is subject to these conditions:

* * * * *

[Revise the text of item f to read as follows:]

f. A business must keep a postage-due account or business reply mail (BRM)

account at the originating postal facility where the PO Box or business street

address is located. Any short paid, BRM pieces will be charged to the mailer’s

account prior to reshipment.

* * * * *

600 Basic Standards For All Mailing Services

* * * * *

602 Addressing

1.0 Elements of Addressing

* * * * *

1.3 Address Elements

All mail not bearing a simplified address must bear a delivery address that

contains at least the following elements in this order from the top line:

* * * * *

e. ZIP Code where required:

[Revise the text of item e1 to read as follows:]

1. ZIP Codes are required on Priority Mail Express, commercial First-

Class Mail, First-Class Package Service — Commercial, Periodicals,

USPS Marketing Mail, Package Services and Parcel Select mailpieces, all

mail sent to military addresses within the United States and to APO and

FPO addresses, official mail, Business Reply Mail, and USPS Returns

service packages.

* * * * *

604 Postage Payment Methods and Refunds

* * * * *

6.0 Payment of Postage

* * * * *

6.4 Advance Deposit Account

[Revise the third sentence of 6.4 to read as follows:]

*** Mailers may use a single advance deposit account to pay postage due

charges for more than one return service (e.g., business reply mail and Bulk

Parcel Return Service).

* * * * *

10.0 Postage Due Weight Averaging Program

10.1 Basic Information

10.1.1 Description


*** This program, subject to application, approval, and authorization, is available

for customers who receive a minimum of 50,000 combined postage due parcels

and flats or Bulk Parcel Return Service (BPRS) pieces. ***

10.1.2 General Qualification


*** Returns can include all classes of mail where postage due fees are assessed,

including BPRS return pieces. ***

* * * * *

[Delete 11.0, Scan-Based Payment, in its entirety.]

* * * * *

609 Filing Indemnity Claims for Loss or Damage

1.0 General Filing Instructions

* * * * *

1.3 Who May File

A claim may be filed by:

* * * * *

[Revise the text of items c and d to read as follows:]

c. Only the account holder, for USPS Returns packages that are insured as

identified by the account holder’s mailer identification (MID) and the

applicable STC for insurance imbedded into the IMpb on the label, and for

which the account holder has provided electronic data that supports the value

of the merchandise being returned (see 503.4.3.1a).

d. Only the mailer, when the mailer has added and paid for insurance on

USPS Returns service packages.

* * * * *

3.0 Providing Evidence of Insurance and Value

3.1 Evidence of Insurance

*** Examples of acceptable evidence are:

* * * * *

[Revise the introductory text of item e to read as follows:]

e. For insured mail or COD mail paid using MMS or eVS under 705.2.0, or for

insured mail paid using an EPS account for USPS Returns service under

503.3.0, the mailer must use one of the following:

[Revise the text of item e1 to read as follows:]

1. A Detail Record in their Shipping Services file version 1.6 or higher

(which includes the USPS Tracking number of the insured item, total

postage paid, insurance fee paid, declared value, mailing date, origin ZIP

Code, delivery ZIP Code) along with the recipient name and address

information for the accountable extra services pieces.

* * * * *

Index

* * * * *

M

* * * * *

[Revise the heading and text under “merchandise return service” to read as

follows (re-alphabetize heading and text after revision):]

USPS Returns service, 505.3.0

accounts 505.3.1.2

adding extra services (by the mailer), 505.3.1.3

adding extra services (by the permit holder), 505.3.1.3

advanced deposit account, 505.3.1.2

applying for a permit, 505.3.1.2

format for label, 505.3.1.4

general information, 505.3.1.1

* * * * *

R

* * * * *

Reply Mail

* * * * *

[Revise the “merchandise return service” entry to read as follows (re-alphabetize

entry after revision):]


* * * * *

return services

* * * * *

[Delete “merchandise return service”.]

* * * * *

[Revise the “USPS return services” entry to read as follows:]


* * * * *

Brittany M. Johnson,

Attorney, Federal Compliance.

[END DOCUMENT]

[FR Doc. 2019-27005 Filed: 12/18/2019 8:45 am; Publication Date: 12/19/2019]

postal service 39 cfr part 111 action7710-12 postal service 39 cfr part 111 usps returns service...

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